Civil Heavy Equipment Operator

About the role

GenPro Energy Solutions is seeking an experienced Civil Heavy Equipment Operator to support utility-scale solar and battery energy storage (BESS) projects nationwide. This traveling position involves site preparation, civil grading, and racking and pile foundation installation, operating a wide range of heavy equipment safely and efficiently. The role requires a hands-on, safety-first operator who communicates well with crew members and supervisors in a fast-paced, physically demanding field environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment including pile drivers, skid steers, excavators, backhoes, telehandlers, bulldozers, compactors, and trenchers in compliance with safety policies and manufacturer guidelines
• Perform daily pre-operational inspections and routine equipment checks; report mechanical issues, damage, or needed repairs to the Supervisor
• Install racking and pile foundations to engineered specifications, tolerances, and layout drawings
• Excavate, grade, and compact soil to proper elevations and specifications in preparation for civil and electrical scope
• Load, unload, and transport materials and equipment to and from vehicles and trailers
• Assist tradespeople with assigned tasks and follow supervisor instructions to implement construction plans
• Move, secure, install, build, load, or unload material and equipment as directed
• Perform physical duties including digging trenches, compacting dirt, and backfilling holes
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safely stored job site, equipment, and materials
• Collect and dispose of scrap, excess material, and refuse
• Monitor daily workflow and productivity to help keep the crew on schedule
• Understand and follow all job site safety procedures; attend and participate in safety training, toolbox talks, and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs)
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on assigned equipment
• Complete required paperwork, equipment logs, and documentation accurately and on time
• Maintain flexibility with job and equipment assignments as project needs shift
• Assist with all aspects of solar and BESS construction beyond equipment operation
• Support and mentor less experienced operators and laborers as needed
• Maintain a positive, team-first attitude and strong work ethic
• Ensure the job site is clean and organized at the end of each shift
• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
• Immediately report all accidents, injuries, or near-misses to the job Foreman or Supervisor

Working Conditions

This is a traveling field position with work performed at active construction sites nationwide. Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions depending on job assignment and time of year. Travel in a multi-state region with extended overnight stays, at times up to a month or more, is required. Must be able to work at least 8 hours per day, with overtime as necessary to meet project schedules.

Physical Demands and Abilities

• Physically able to lift and move objects weighing 10–50 pounds regularly, and occasionally more than 100 pounds
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods on uneven terrain
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, climb, balance, lift, or stretch
• Ability to climb on and off heavy equipment and up and down stairs and ladders safely
• Repetitive use of arms, hands, and fingers
• Ability to work safely at height and in confined or tight equipment spaces as needed

Skills and Other Characteristics

• Eye, hand, and foot coordination to precisely guide large machinery in tight or congested work areas
• Operation monitoring: able to read gauges, dials, GPS, and machine-control systems, adjusting operation as necessary
• Mechanical aptitude with general understanding of equipment mechanics and routine maintenance needs
• Interpersonal skills and teamwork to coordinate with other operators, tradespeople, and supervisors
• Troubleshooting ability to detect and correct minor operating problems in the field
• Critical thinking to weigh solutions and choose the safest, most efficient, and most cost-effective approach
• Strong spatial awareness, depth perception, and awareness of surroundings, other equipment, and personnel
• Excellent vision, or vision correctable with prescribed lenses
• Dependable, punctual, and safety-minded with a high level of integrity and work ethic

Experience

• Prior experience operating a variety of heavy equipment required, including excavators, backhoes, skid steers, telehandlers, bulldozers, compactors, trenchers, and pile-driving equipment
• Experience in civil, utility-scale solar, renewable energy, or other large-scale site-development construction strongly preferred
• Experience using GPS machine-control systems and survey equipment (Trimble, Topcon, CAT Grade, GPS rovers, laser levels, or equivalent) preferred
• Ability to read and interpret civil drawings, grading plans, plan-and-profile sheets, construction details, specifications, and survey staking
• Experience checking elevations, slopes, drainage paths, and finished grades using GPS, grade stakes, laser levels, or other survey equipment
• Experience performing mass excavation, cut-and-fill operations, subgrade preparation, rough grading, and fine grading
• Experience constructing access roads, equipment pads, laydown areas, retention and detention basins, drainage ponds, swales, ditches, culverts, and other stormwater-management features
• Knowledge of soil conditions, moisture conditioning, lift thickness, compaction requirements, proof rolling, and preparation of stable subgrades
• Experience performing trenching, backfilling, utility crossings, and excavation around existing underground utilities
• Experience working on a self-perform civil crew in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Construction-equipment maintenance or heavy-equipment mechanic experience preferred, including daily inspections, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting
• Experience coordinating equipment operations with surveyors, ground personnel, truck drivers, subcontractors, and other site crews
• Demonstrated ability to complete work safely, accurately, and efficiently while meeting production, quality, and schedule requirements

Education and Licenses

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid driver’s license with a safe, clean driving record required
• CDL (Class A or B) preferred, but not required; candidates with a CDL must demonstrate a strong safety record
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred, or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe
• Must be eligible for a U.S. passport; international travel may occasionally be required